Melaka International Airport Gives Boost To State Tourism

MELAKA (Malaysia), Feb 25 (Bernama) -- As the entry point by air into the state, the Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam has become busier since Malindo Air began operations to it last November. The airport, says the state Exco for Transport and Rehabilitation Projects Lim Ban Hong, can be the catalyst for boosting Melaka's tourism industry. He added that Malindo Air's five times weekly flights to Penang, Kelantan and Pekan Baru (Indonesia) are a key factor in encouraging the arrival of both local and overseas tourists. "It includes tourists from Indonesia, particularly Pekan Baru, with Melaka being a medical tourism state now. "The air entry point is now a very important one for the state and we hope that in time, we will start receiving tourists from other countries such as China," Lim said. The LTAM, completed in 2011, has a 2,135 metre runway with a 45 metre clearance for large aircraft, including the Airbus 320. It started operations on a low key note but seems to have received a new lease of life with Malindo Air's presence. Melaka has set a target of 15 million tourist arrivals in the state in 2015 with 120,000 of them being medical tourists seeking specialist treatment at private hospitals. Lim said the frequency of flights will encourage bigger participation by travel agents in Melaka and also promote it on the international stage as a heritage site. -- BERNAMA